Over the last several months, Bob Vander Plaats has traveled the state, espousing the need for civil dialogue. Vander Plaats’ efforts appear to be a campaign designed to confuse the public and soften his extreme views and rhetoric. Anyone reading the news accounts of these events might think he has truly turned over a new leaf and become a friend to the LGBTQ community. Unfortunately, nothing could be further from the truth.

Equally troubling is the influence Vander Plaats claims to wield in Iowa’s first in the nation caucus. On Friday, Bob Vander Plaats and the Family Leader will host a presidential forum, where Republican candidates will attempt to gain his support and endorsement. He will no doubt gloss over his hateful words and uncivil actions with friendly language and calls for civil dialogue. We hope that the candidates and media in attendance will take his public relations efforts for what they are: smoke and mirrors to further his extreme agenda. The vast majority of Iowans know better than to trust Vander Plaats, as only 18 percent in our state view him favorably, according to a survey this year. We will listen to what he has to say and we will watch his actions, as well as those of The Family Leader. As leaders and friends of the LGBTQ movement in Iowa, we are prepared to stand up for the rights of every Iowan by holding Vander Plaats accountable.

Let us be clear: We agree that civil dialogue is important. More important, however, are civil rights. We have spent years working for equality and much of that is building bridges, coalitions, and relationships. However, one cannot claim to engage in an honest and heartfelt dialogue while advocating — actively and by association — for the discrimination of LGBTQ people. And as long as Vander Plaats and the Family Leader use hurtful rhetoric and attempt to strip away the civil rights of the LGBTQ community, he is no friend to Iowans who support equality for all.